Lodges and shops in the village, built
in a European style, shine like pin-pricks
of hope that exists one minute and blurs the next.

Trust in destiny taut during an inhale and loose on the exhale.
Delight in the little things in life burns in a crowd,
and dies in isolation.
Aspirations for a better future flare in prosperity,
and wither in poverty.

Is language really a barrier? Many couples around the world fall in love with each other despite non-fluency in their partner’s native language. Or despite an absence of a common fluent form of communication. They are able to communicate with each other and reach an understanding, which allows their relationship to persevere through all of the bends and curves of life. Yet, there are those who do not survive the turbulence and give up rowing mid-way. Is it because the romantic connection fizzles out? Or could it be that the persistent unease and misunderstanding that stems from difference in languages becomes more evident?

Searching “couples with language barriers” on google gives a variety of search options, including scholarly articles. Most of non-scholarly articles acknowledge that language as a barrier, and all of the resulting complications, such as not being able to share feelings. At the same time, couples are also advised to focus on the affection and be mature. Is this not a factor in the dissolution of some relationships, as well?

Things didn’t work out

It’s not you, it’s me

You’re not the one for me

I tried

Then why are relationships with a “language barrier” any different? Could it be that it is a concrete problem that could take the blame? Surprisingly, one of the articles exploited the “surprising advantage of dating someone you can’t understand“. A lack of communication was considered a protective factor from getting too clingy or sharing too much at the start of a relationship. Be comfortable with the silence seemed to be the take home message. In this case, language takes the blame again.

Why does language become a perpetual target? What is so fascinating about it? Even the brain thinks differently depending on the language we are thinking in.

Whatever it may be, or more accurately, however many things it may be, language is not a barrier that would stop different cultures from interacting. Are we not able to love? Does it really affect our interactive capabilities? The basic make-up of emotions and innate expressions remain the same across different languages.